Contact eczema

What can I do if I suspect that my skin has an allergic reaction to a certain product?

It is best for you to consult a dermatologist. The dermatologist will very probably carry out a patch test to exclude a contact allergy or to identify the substance triggering the allergy.

Can a contact allergy be cured?

No. All medicinal therapies only alleviate the symptoms, i.e. the inflammation, the itching. Otherwise, only avoiding contact between the skin and the substance that triggers the allergy will help.

Can my contact allergy go away by itself?

No. Permanently avoiding coming into contact with the allergen can at best reduce the sensitivity. In other words: with renewed contact, it can take a while before a contact allergy appears again.

Is every contact eczema caused by an allergy?

No. Most contact eczemas have no allergic origin. Even frequent contact with water can have such a long-term affect on the skin barrier that an eczema can develop. Consequently, good skincare/handcare, in particular in wet-area occupations (e.g. hairdressers, nurses, medical orderlies) is very important. When applying cream to your hand, do not forget the spaces between your fingers or the 'webbed skin'.